Moreton Bay Joins Fast-Track Housing Initiative

Posted By Chris Nicholson

A new Priority Development Area (PDA) is set to facilitate the addition of 30,000 homes to South-East Queensland. This will be Queensland’s 36th PDA, allowing development applications in the area to be managed by Economic Development Queensland, a state government agency.

PDAs benefit from expedited planning processes, enabling economic growth projects to advance more swiftly. The newly designated area, Waraba—previously known as Caboolture West and projected to become “Queensland’s newest regional city”—spans 3000 hectares north of Brisbane.

The PDA status is expected to expedite the creation of 30,000 new homes, with at least 25 percent earmarked for affordable and social housing, according to the State Government.

Following the PDA declaration, an Interim Land Use Plan will be implemented for 24 months pending Ministerial approval. During this period, EDQ will collaborate with Moreton Bay Council and other stakeholders to develop a comprehensive PDA development scheme and infrastructure plan.

Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Grace Grace, noted that the PDA approach provides the development industry with the confidence to invest.

Developers have shown significant interest in Moreton Bay, a rapidly growing area. KDL Property plans to build over 1,100 homes across six sites in the next three years, including a new estate in Waraba. KDL's managing director, Kent Leicester, expressed support for the PDA, highlighting its role in ensuring the delivery of essential infrastructure like water and sewer systems.

Lennium Group has already initiated its first project in the Waraba precinct, Lilywood Landing, which will offer 700 homes upon completion. Lennium Group’s development manager, Ian Worthington, praised the PDA designation as a step toward a more coordinated planning approach for Waraba, enhancing land supply and providing greater certainty for investors and home buyers.

The initial plots of land at Lilywood Landings are expected to be ready by the end of 2024, with construction of the first homes beginning in early 2025.